Chapter 3 - Transition metal-catalyzed dehydrogenation of methanol and related transformations

Abstract

Methanol is a readily available biodegradable and widely used chemical, which is used in the production of various value-added chemicals. Importantly, methanol could be the source of hydrogen and single carbon. The development of synthetic methods for the construction of new bonds using methanol mainly follows “Borrowing Hydrogen” and “Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling” strategies. These sustainable protocols are greener alternatives to conventional methods. This chapter describes recent progress and the highlights of the methanol activation and related chemistry. Significant progress on hydrogen production from methanol, C- and N-methylation, N-formylation reactions, synthesis of N-heterocycles, etc. using methanol are summarized in this chapter.